Local women hope to make a difference, one T-shirt at a time

Tossing and turning in bed one night, sleep evading her, Alisa Becker came up with an idea.

The New Albany woman doesn't think it will change the world — she doesn't necessarily even want it to — but she does hope it will help people's voices be heard.

Three weeks after that sleepless night, the idea became Be the Sign, a company that makes T-shirts, iron-ons and tote bags with political messages, and then donates all profits to charitable organizations that Becker and co-founder Paula Katz support.

The two started selling in early February.

"People want their voices heard," Becker said. "We're selling a message, but we're also trying to bring like-minded people together."

Among the messages: "But first, feminism." "He has no fracking idea." "Scientists put the awe in awesome." "#IMWITHHUMANITY."

The women met a few years ago when they worked together, and for months they would find themselves talking only about politics when they met up. They both wanted to do something, but didn't know what. While Becker was coming up with the idea, Katz was in Washington, D.C., marching with thousands of women the day after President Donald Trump's inauguration.

Katz, of the Short North, came back feeling empowered and positive, and ready to make a difference.

"I think we were both brought up in the way of helping others and giving back to humanity," Katz said. "I really like to give back and take care of others and do what I can to help.

"We're hoping it will make people realize that a little bit can go a long way, and one person can make a difference and it doesn't have to be huge."

Melanie Luckenbach, of Grandview Heights, is a fan of the company and a friend of Becker's.

"I feel like I'm making a statement about what I believe in without having to say anything," Luckenbach said. "It's a way to share with people that I'm approachable."

Luckenbach also enjoys the clothing's ability to start a conversation. Her daughter, in the fifth grade, wore the shirt about scientists and it started a conversation about the importance of science in her classroom.

"It allows me to wear it in a more prominent way and invite the dialogue and engage people," Luckenbach said. "If we're going to do something, we want to make sure it has a secondary purpose."

That "secondary purpose" is important to Katz and Becker. They intend to split profits evenly among six organizations: the American Civil Liberties Union, the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, the Human Rights Campaign, the Natural Resources Defense Council, Planned Parenthood and the Sierra Club.

And the company donates to other charities for some special events, such as one hosted Thursday night by local group Goddesses for Good. The fundraiser was at Dempsey's Food & Spirits Downtown, to give money to Community Refugee and Immigration Services.

Becker and Katz were there to apply iron-ons to T-shirts and bags and also sold finished products.

"Even if they're not out there marching or protesting, they can still be their own sign," Katz said. "It's just about making a difference."